CIGAR
OLYMPICS!
photos by Jeff Schnorr
"The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success" - Irving Berlin
Whether you believe the season begins on Memorial Day (the first official "beach weekend") or you're one of the sticklers who still mark the Summer Solstice on June 21 as its offi-cial kick-off, by the time you hold this issue of SMOKE in your hands, there should be no doubt that summer is here. That means barbecuing out in the yard, softball in the park, road trips out to the ballpark, and, for many of us, the decidedly unmatched experience of lounging out on the porch, lighting up a good cigar, and letting the rest of the world go on without us for a while. And in the spirit of another summer tradition, albeit one that hap-pens only once very four years, SMOKE welcomes you to the Summer 2000 Cigar Review, or as we've been affectionately referring to it, the first Cigar Olympics.
The Summer Games take place this September (still summer, officially, if you're one of the sticklers) in Sydney, Australia. Inspired by the Olympic spirit of international competition, we're breaking from our usual formula of focusing on cigars of a specific shape, size, or type. Instead, we throw the field open for an unlimited variety of smokes, from as many tobacco-pro-ducing nations as we can represent.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
|---|
| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.7 | Good |
| 3.8-4.4 | Excellent |
| 4.5-5.0 | Superior |
You'll find the expected good number of offerings from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras; a select few from Cuba; and a handful of entries from Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Canary Islands. Throw in the wrapper contributions from nations like Cameroon, Ecuador, Indonesia, and the good ol' U.S. of A, and we've got a veritable U.N. of cigar producers. There are coronas, robustos, torpedos, lonsdales, and figurados (the odd-looking but well--received Huevo de Cuba from Carlos III being possibly the most unique). Whether you like your smokes long or short, fat or thin, mild or full-bodied, we're betting one of our "member nations" has something in here to fit the bill.
The Gold Medal went to the Cuban Sancho Panza belicoso, which racked up a rare and impressive 4.6. Silver and Bronze honors were spread out among a host of others. The other Cuban entrants did well (4.3 for the Montecristo No. 4 and 4.2 for the Partagas Serie D No. 3), and Honduras snagged high honors for the Punch Gran Cru 11 (4.4) and a charming little robusto from Dunhill (4.1).
One of the Dominican Republic's top per-formers, Davidoff, did well with a couple of new offer-ings, the Special B (4.4) and the tubed Anniversario No. 3 (4.3). Typically well-represented in the review, the DR also scored big with the Fittipaldi Toro (4.4), and -proving that great things come in little packages - with Fuente's Short Story, the smallest cigar in the survey, racking up a 4.2. Nicaragua had some top vote-getters with two offerings from Perdomo, the box-pressed Exponente (4.3) and the Reserve T La Tradicion (45); and Cupido's Corona Canela (43). Costa Rica impressed the judges with a few from Tony Borhani, the Hoja Cubana XXO (4.4) and the Bahia Gold Maduro (4.1).
Thanks to our panelists, who this month included first-timers James Templeton, Steve Schoeffel, and Tim McDaniel - all winners of SMOKE's "Become a Reviewer" contest. If you're a cigar smoker who's anx-ious to share your opinions, visit our contest page and enter the fray. It's a lot easier than trying out for the Olympics.
- Mark Bernardo
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 |  | BALMORAL ROYAL SELECTION Torpedo | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Brazil | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Agio Caribbean Tobacco | Filler:
Brazil | Price:
$5.75
| | Panelist #1 | This smokes very well and has a good mix of flavors. With some
more aging, this has the potential
to be a real winner. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #2 | A great cigar for the novice, because
of its smoothness. Complexity
of the flavor is appealing to every
spectrum of taste. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #3 | This cigar was good all-around,
except that the wrapper could have
been chosen more carefully. That
takes it down a notch. SCORE: 2.7 | | Panelist #4 | Combined with a good merlot and
soft-shell crabs, it made for quite
an enjoyable experience. All
smokers should try it.SCORE: 4.5 |
 |  | ESTAVAN CRUZ Belicoso | Country:
Costa Rica | Wrapper:
Ecuador | Binder:
Ecuador
| Manufacturer:
Estavan Cruz | Filler:
DR/Nic | Price:
tk
| | Panelist #1 | Some terrific things going on flavor-wise, but a terribly stingy draw.
Should be fine for someone looking
for a lighter smoke. SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #2 | To whomever made this cigar,
I say, lighten up on the roll. The
flavor is there, but it's too hard
to draw it out. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #3 | The uneven draw makes these
a little hard to smoke, but worth
the work for someone who enjoys a
rich smoke. SCORE: 4.2 | | Panelist #4 | Highly recommended. It has a
firm roll that held up to a hot
smoke, and a rich tobacco flavor
to the last draw. SCORE: 4.3 |
 |  | FITTIPALDI Toro | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Dominican Republic | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Alliance Cigar | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$4.50
| | Panelist #1 | Best in the survey. Have a good
steak, a single-barrel bourbon, and
one of these honeys, and you're
in for a real treat! SCORE: 4.8 | | Panelist #2 | This was a good, middle-of-the-road
cigar, great for after dinner. The
overall flavor was masked a bit by
its lack of aging. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #3 | I highly recommend this one. Definitely a perfect after-dinner cigar.
Enjoy it with a glass of your favorite
port wine. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #4 | I would buy this cigar. It was consistent in looks, roll, and taste.
Pair this with a nice microbrew
with body, and enjoy. SCORE: 4.5 |
 |  | CUPIDO Corona Canela | Country:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Habana 2K | Binder:
Nicaragua
| Manufacturer:
Cupido | Filler:
Nicaragua | Price:
$4.50
| | Panelist #1 | This was an enjoyable smoke that
got bitter in the last fourth or so.
If you're a fan of sweet smokes, it's
certainly one to try. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #2 | By far the best I reviewed. A great
smoke, well-made, with lots of
flavor and comfortable draw. All
smokers should try it. SCORE: 4.9 | | Panelist #3 | Looks can be deceiving. I didn't
expect much from this cigar at
first glance, but I enjoyed the
flavor and the draw. SCORE: 3.6 | | Panelist #4 | I enjoyed these with a good beer
like Sam Adams or Anchor Steam.
Complex flavors assert themselves
but don't overwhelm.SCORE: 4.6 |
 |  | RAFAEL GONZALEZ Corona Extra | Country:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Ecu/Sumatra
| Manufacturer:
Cigar Domain | Filler:
Hon/DR/Nic | Price:
$5.95
| | Panelist #1 | It's hard for me to get terribly
excited about this one. It's a
well-made cigar, but otherwise
very ordinary. SCORE: 3.8 | | Panelist #2 | Perfect this blend to promote the
rich, soft nut flavor and you'll have
a great one. As is, it's all right for
light smokers only. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #3 | Don't buy a box without trying it
first. It's too young and green, with a
long lingering aftertaste of hay. This
one needs to grow up. SCORE: 3.3 | | Panelist #4 | Highly recommended by this
reviewer. For the lover of a good,
well-made, milder cigar, this is a
fantastic choice. SCORE: 4.4 |
 | | BOCK Y CA Perfecto | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Habana 2K | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Santa Clara | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$3.75
| | Panelist #1 | If I were to crave something on the
milder side, this would be a top
contender. Some very pleasant
flavors going on here. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #2 | A very consistent cigar that never
lapsed in taste or draw. I would
recommend this highly, for smoking
at any time of day. SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #3 | Highly recommended. This reminds
me of how nice it is to smoke a
cigar with consistent flavor. I enjoyed
it after lunch. SCORE: 4.4 | | Panelist #4 | After smoking it, I craved another.
This is perfect for the person who
usually smokes Macanudos and
drinks Budweisers. SCORE: 3.5 |
 | | PERDOMO 2 Exponente | Country:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Cameroon | Binder:
Nicaragua
| Manufacturer:
Nick's Cigars | Filler:
Nicaragua | Price:
$5.99
| | Panelist #1 | I wanted to like this more than I
actually did. A good performer, it
needs a bit more fill and some
smoothing out. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #2 | One of the best I've smoked in a
while. There's a full depth of flavor,
yet it's soft on the palate. Smoke
this one with a fork! SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #3 | I found this to be a really good cigar,
combining the elements of looks,
taste, and a great roll. This would be
a fine mid-day smoke. SCORE: 4.4 | | Panelist #4 | I recommend trying this one. It's
a smoke that really comes around
in the second half, with some good,
complex flavors. SCORE: 4.3 |
 |  | BUCANERO Primeros | Country:
Costa Rica | Wrapper:
Ecuador | Binder:
Nicaragua
| Manufacturer:
Bucanero Cigars | Filler:
Nic/DR | Price:
$7.00
| | Panelist #1 | This will probably become smoother
given time to age.Too high-maintenance for me; why fight through
poor construction? SCORE: 3.2 | | Panelist #2 | This was a very mild cigar that performed fine, but doesn't offer much
excitement. I recommend it only to
lovers of mild smokes. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #3 | For solid consistency and classic
cigar flavor, put this in your humidor.
You can always be sure of a quality,
no-frills smoke. SCORE: 4.3 | | Panelist #4 | Recommended. Based on the size,
draw, and mild coffee taste on the
palate, I'd recommend this for an
early tee time. SCORE: 4.0 |
 |  | PUROFINO DOM El Fumo | Country:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
U.S.
| Manufacturer:
Purofino Cigars | Filler:
Nic/DR | Price:
$5.95
| | Panelist #1 | A home run. I'm going to look for
this one. Terrific with rich beers
after a meat-laden meal, or with a
complex French wine. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #2 | As a morning smoke with coffee, I
found this to be a great companion.
Not a knockout, but a very consistent 'go to' smoke. SCORE: 4.1 | | Panelist #3 | This was a cigar worth trying for
just about any smoker, at just about
any time of day. It went especially
well with espresso. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #4 | This is a smoke I can mildly
recommend; not for the beginner,
though. A rough exterior hides a
complex interior. SCORE: 3.8 |
 | | INDIAN TABAC Figurado | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Cameroon | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Indian Tabac Cigar Co. | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$6.80
| | Panelist #1 | Overall, a decent smoke for after
lunch, but not for after dinner. Good
for fans of shaped smokes looking
for mild to medium. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #2 | Smokes are consistent, but I had to
work too hard to find good aspects.
That sounds harsh, but so was this
particular cigar. SCORE: 3.1 | | Panelist #3 | This one shows promise. The burn
and the draw are terrific; I enjoyed
one with coffee. I'd put some in the
humidor for aging. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #4 | It reminded me of a Cuban cigar:
rich and powerful. I had one with
a Scotch, and they complemented
each other perfectly. SCORE: 4.4 |
 |  | CUESTA-REY Cabinet #47 | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Cameroon/Conn. | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
J.C. Newman | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$4.25
| | Panelist #1 | This is a no-nonsense smoke, not
for the timid. Experienced smokers
will love them. Feel free to send me
a box. A keeper! SCORE: 4.2 | | Panelist #2 | Overall, this is a cigar that could
use a lot more aging. Nice-smelling
smoke doesn't make up for lack of
flavor and bitter finish. SCORE: 3.1 | | Panelist #3 | This cigar showed little character
or depth. There were flaws in taste
and workmanship; its good points
aren't good enough. SCORE: 2.9 | | Panelist #4 | A good draw and some neat flavor
plus only fair construction equals
an above-average cigar. worth it if
price is right. SCORE: 3.7 |
 | | FONSECA Lonsdale | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Mexico
| Manufacturer:
SAG Imports | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$2.99
| | Panelist #1 | I put down my coffee, because this
was smooth enough to compete. A
very nice smoke, but not if you're
seeking a powerhouse. SCORE: 4.7 | | Panelist #2 | This was a very mild but nice cigar.
Not much flavor, but great-smelling
smoke and an easy draw make it
worth trying. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #3 | This would be fine as a midday
smoke, or as a cigar for beginners.
I give it a neutral recommendation;
not bad if price is right. SCORE: 4.0 medium smoke. SCORE: 4.2 | | Panelist #4 | You need a beverage to pull the
most flavor out of this one (cognac worked well), but it's a good
|
 |  | MARIA MANCINI Magic Mountain | Country:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Habana 2K | Binder:
Honduras
| Manufacturer:
Santa Clara | Filler:
Honduras | Price:
$3.50
| | Panelist #1 | This was a middle-of-the-road cigar
to me … I was looking for more
depth. It should go over well in the
right setting, though. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #2 | Definite potential here. With a little
time in the humidor, these babies
should mature into a nice, full-bodied rich smoke. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #3 | A good, solid smoke. Lots of great
flavors going on here. I think a little
extra age to smooth it out will make
this one a contender. SCORE: 4.2 | | Panelist #4 | This is a good smoke for a night
on the porch with friends. Some
age would bring out more flavor,
but not bad at all. SCORE: 4.2 |
 | | CARLOS III Huevo de Cuba | Country:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Connecticut/Mex | Binder:
Ecuador
| Manufacturer:
Carlos III | Filler:
Hon/Mex/U.S. | Price:
$3.90
| | Panelist #1 | I will buy these. Quick, what are
they? Give the roller a raise. This
little bomb should find a place in
many humidors. SCORE: 4.3 | | Panelist #2 | Tons of fun. Not really for the
casual smoker, it's shaped for the
enthusiast looking for adventure.
Stands and delivers. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #3 | This was a nice little short, novelty
smoke. A little short on flavor, but
the huge amount of nice-smelling
smoke made up for it. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #4 | I can't recommend this one, folks.
This smoke is cute to look at, but
the draw was terrible. Mine had
to be relit constantly. SCORE: 2.8 |
 |  | LA TRADICION Perdomo Reserve T | Country:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Ecuador | Binder:
Ecuador
| Manufacturer:
Nick's Cigars | Filler:
DR/Col/Mex | Price:
$7.00
| | Panelist #1 | Highly recommended! This cigar
lends itself to contemplation and
to complementing food and drink.
Buy a few boxes. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #2 | This one truly kicked ass! Solid con-
struction, great taste, and lots of
complexity. This is a cigar by which
others are measured. SCORE: 4.7 | | Panelist #3 | This one would be good with a lager
or a strong drink. I'd call it an outdoor cigar because of the strong,
abundant smoke. SCORE: 4.4 | | Panelist #4 | This was a well-constructed, easy
drawing, fuller-flavored cigar, great
for after dinner. I give this a high
recommendation. SCORE: 4.2 |
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